First of all, it is important to recognize that feeling frustrated or angry when your infant cries, especially when your infant cries for long periods of time and seems to be inconsolable, is a normal feeling. Even the best parents can be irritated when this happens. It is particularly frustrating when everything that you try, from feeding to changing a diaper to rocking your infant seems to have no effect whatsoever. During these times, there are some things that you can do to help stop the anger that you feel when your infant cries, and to address your feelings in an appropriate manner.

Obviously, the best way to stop feeling angry when your infant cries is to convince your infant to stop crying. Check all of those basic needs, including food and comfort that your baby has. Most of the time, a feeding or a diaper change may help. When it does not, however, it is time to do some other things to stop the anger.

When your infant cries and seems inconsolable, and you feel the anger starting, you need to take a step back. Place your baby in her crib, in her baby seat, or in a baby swing. Take a few moments to step away, and take a few relaxing, deep breaths. Many times, just a minute or two of deep breathing can help to calm you sufficiently, to where you can stop the anger that you feel when your infant cries.

Another way to calm down and stop the anger that you feel when your infant cries is to listen to some music. Putting on some music gives your brain something other than the crying to focus on. It may subdue the piercing sound of your infant’s crying, and give you enough of a break or a distraction to stop your anger.

If you feel severe anger, and you feel like you might harm yourself or your baby, seek out some help. Another parent, a friend, or even a neighbor might be able to come and give you a few minutes of peace while you cool off. Whether or not this help is available, if you believe you are too angry and might cause harm, you need to leave your baby in a safe place, such as her crib, until you no longer feel so angry.

Finally, you need to remember that your baby will eventually stop crying. It may only be a few minutes, or it may be an hour. Knowing, however, that there is an end in sight might be enough to calm your anger.

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